Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Chile's former Miss Universe requests Peru's "original pisco sour"

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz


Former Miss Universe and Chilean entertainer, Cecilia Bolocco made headlines in Peru when she arrived to the Andean country and stated she desperately needed a pisco sour and a plate of ceviche.

What made headlines was the fact that Bolocco stated she wanted an "original" pisco sour, admitting that she prepared it Peruvian style in her home.

"I have to be very honest and say that I prepare pisco sour in my home the way it is prepared here. That's how it should be done," said Bolocco, who is in Peru to promote a new line of clothing she has recently released.

The release of the new line can be seen tonight during a fashion show to be held at Saga Falabella in Jockey Plaza.

Cecilia Bolocco, who was the first Chilean woman to win the Miss Universe beauty pageant, has not been the only person to comment on Chile's pisco this week.

Peru's president Alan Garcia said on Monday that he supported statements made by the country's Minister of Agriculture, Ismael Benavides that Chile's pisco is "water downed", assuring the Peru had surpassed Chile's pisco a long time ago.

The statements were brought on after Chile's Minster of Agriculture, Marigen Hornkohl declared that May 15 would be National Pisco Day in Chile.

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# Peruvian Pisco #1 says :
29 April, 2008 [ 14:31 ]

You see folks, even the people in Chile know the truth as far as who is the king of the hill.

# The Queen of Alimony says :
29 April, 2008 [ 15:36 ]

Yea, and she was really in love with Menim too.  Ha, ha. 

# Disgusted says :
29 April, 2008 [ 16:50 ]

No "Mr. Peruvian Pisco" this just shows that people in Chile are most educated and open-minded than Peruvians. Most Peruvians are uneducated and ultra-nationalists and would never admit that anything in Ecaudor, Chile, Bolivia, etc would be better than anything in their precious immaculate Peru...

# Mags says :
29 April, 2008 [ 18:15 ]

Dear Mr. Disgusted,
No need to hate- let the article speak for itself. After all it's only Pisco.
"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man" (Matthew 15:11).

GBU

# Lopez De Castilla says :
29 April, 2008 [ 19:24 ]

Wow - Mr Disgusted, your allegations sound so convincing.
Have you got any quantitative studies in relation to your allegations?
Or is what you say based on any ACTUAL evidence?
Another

# Lopez De Castilla says :
29 April, 2008 [ 19:24 ]

Wow - Mr Disgusted, your allegations sound so convincing.
Have you got any quantitative studies in relation to your allegations?
Or is what you say based on any ACTUAL evidence?
Another

question -

# Lopez De Castilla says :
29 April, 2008 [ 19:28 ]

Dont actually know what happened up there!
But yea - another question-  Are you a happy man Mr Disgusted?

Mr Pisco just said it because, it does not take a genious to figure out what is better Peruvian Pisco or Chilean 'Aguardiente de uvas'.

Its like asking: Which is the better car, a Rolls Royce or a Hyundai?

Youd have to be an idiot to say the latter.

# I Rest My Case says :
29 April, 2008 [ 22:46 ]

Here is your proof Mr. Nationalist.
Answer the following questions:

1. Tell me something positive about Ecaudaorians that they do BETTER than Peruvians can.
2. Tell me something positive about Chileans that they do BETTER than Peruvians can.
3. Tell me something positive about Bolivians that they do BETTER than Peruvians can.

I bet you will never answer. :o)
I rest my case.

# Michael says :
29 April, 2008 [ 22:57 ]

I'll tell you something all three are better at: complaining about Peru.

# Manco Capac says :
30 April, 2008 [ 03:21 ]

Thanks Michael......you got that right!  Our neighbors complain about us because they have "green eyes"......as in "green-eyed monster".....

"Disgusted".......we can't help it if we're ultra-nationalists! Have you heard the waltz "Mi Peru"?  It says: "Tengo el orgullo de ser Peruano y soy feliz!"  There are 100 reasons to love Peru, man!  Just accept it!

Cecilia Bolocco is probably a purist, that's why she was very emphatic about wanting an original Peruvian pisco sour.  I suppose our neighbors to the south are now going to claim that "ceviche" is Chilean!

Lopez de Castilla....listen to "Mags" and stop calling Chilean idiots.  Besides the people who ride Rolls Royces are purists and would probably demand the original Peruvian pisco sour, while the Hyundai enthusiasts will choose the "aguardiente de uvas".... and think it's the greatest thing since canhazo...ja,ja,ja!  As they say in the US...."different strokes for different folks"!

# Juan says :
30 April, 2008 [ 04:20 ]

Michael and Manco Capac... It is people like you that make me ashamed to be Peruvian.. you have just shown the world your complete ignorance. No wonder that Humala almost won the last election...

# wizzardsway says :
30 April, 2008 [ 06:09 ]

tried both, peru's the best

# Michael says :
30 April, 2008 [ 07:14 ]

Juan, I don't know what election you were watching.  Alan won 53/47 - which isn't "close".

Aside, from that, you need to relax and not get so emotional when someone is joking.

Or was I?

# Lopez De Castilla says :
30 April, 2008 [ 07:38 ]

Im pretty dissapointed that either of those two won.
I voted for Alan Garcia, because he was the lesser of two evils.
I really wanted Lourdes Flores to win...no matter how ugly she is.

# David says :
30 April, 2008 [ 08:56 ]

Just to play devil's advocate for a minute. Hyundai better gas milage, better as I can keep an extra 100-200K in my pocket, better that I can park in on the street without much worry, better that I can get it serviced by any mech.,better that I can do much of that service myself, better that my insurance primiums are at a minimum.

Yes, I see the obvious about the RR, but there are 2 sides to every coin.

# Ian says :
30 April, 2008 [ 09:16 ]

Peru can have their Pisco... we'll keep the northern part of our country, northern Chile.  Thanks Peru for our northern land.  :-)

Viva Chile!!!

# ian says :
30 April, 2008 [ 09:20 ]

2. Tell me something positive about Chileans that they do BETTER than Peruvians can. ????

Why does Chile have an immigration problem with Peruvians?
Who has a higher standard of living... Chile or Peru?
Who has better technology... Chile or Peru?
Who are better educated... Chile or Peru?

Well, if your honest... you cannot denie that Chile has been and is in a better position that Peru in most all fronts... and I am willing to bet it will be this way for some time to come.

Viva Chile!!!

# Anonymous Dave says :
30 April, 2008 [ 09:39 ]

Why do people like Ian take great pleasure in the injustices carried out by their country? You'll see few people in Germany celebrating the achievements of Hitler, yet the Chileans love to celebrate the masacres inflicted on their northern brothers in their invasion, an invasion carried out in the interests of Chile's rich, paid for in the blood of Chile's poor.

# piscosoy says :
30 April, 2008 [ 09:52 ]

Enjoy it while you have it Ian (ian),
we havent forgotten tarapaca is ours.

Oh right you're one of those super chileans
who think chile is the switzerland of south america
(rather than the israel) and being superior is in your nature.

that's why you need to constantly borrow this or that from your neighbors, because your'e so much better...

keep dreaming ian (Ian) and pray that you'll develop a
national identity one day

# devilmaycare says :
30 April, 2008 [ 11:39 ]

"Why does Chile have an immigration problem with Peruvians?
Who has a higher standard of living... Chile or Peru?
Who has better technology... Chile or Peru?
Who are better educated... Chile or Peru?"

With all the Chileans moving to the U.S. Chile should be glad to have the immigration before it is completely abandoned by its people.

The difference in standard of living is getting smaller and smaller. (I wouldn't brag)

With the new free trade agreements that Peru has recently aquired their technology should be at least as good if not better than Chile in the near future.

Education follows the money and therefore with the growth in the economy of Peru there will also be an increase in education.  

# Manco Capac says :
30 April, 2008 [ 12:13 ]

Hey guys:  Let's keep in mind this discussion is about the origins and superb quality of.....PERUVIAN PISCO, the "nectar of the gods".

Juan:  shame on you for saying you are ashamed of being Peruvian. But I really know you are not Peruvian or you wouldn't be saying that.....you're really John, trying to pass for "Juan".  You're astute, but not as astute as Manco Capac.....remember I instituted an empire?

Ian:  you're missing the point, dude. Bottom line:  legions of tourists are heading for Peru this summer to see our "Wonder of the World" and other magnificent treasures we possess (and there's more to come!)
Whoever heard of a world traveler saying: "I'm dying to visit Chile, because of its standard of living, its cutting-edge technology, their educated people.....but most of all, because of their world-class cuisine!!".  Sorry Ian....gotta run, gotta take a pee!, I'm laughing so hard.

# Manco Capac says :
30 April, 2008 [ 12:38 ]

"Devilmaycare".....you're right on the money!  Thanks for believing in Peru, which is coming up in the world very quickly and it's on its way to being a first world country, 

"Wizzardsway"....sounds like you're a man of good taste, a connaisseur!

"Anonymous Dave/George"....well said!  But why are you asking yourself why Ian and his people celebrate the massacres inflicted on their northern brothers?  Have you forgotten the number of Nazis who took refuge in Chile?  Ian (real name: Adolf) and many of his people are their direct descendants!

"Piscosoy".....thanks for your input.  I think Chile missed the boat when it comes to national identity, they'll never get it.....so Peruvians are not worried. 

# Peruvian Pisco #1 says :
30 April, 2008 [ 15:17 ]

Ecaudor, Chlie, & Bolivia verses Peru? I'll take Peru over all of these Hugo Chavez communist loving buddy types any day, you very much.

# Truth, not Propaganda. says :
30 April, 2008 [ 16:08 ]

First of all, I apologies for creating such a fuss, but this is just too funny (the ignorance of some).  As I said before, Peru can have their Pisco.  Why is it that 'some' Peruvians love to blame Chile for all their ailments (not as bad as Bolivians, but it exists)?
Personally, I love Peru and their people.  Too bad there is still bitterness out there.  As for National Identity... I will not say Peruvians have No National Identity as I know like us Chileans, we are both proud of our countries and cherish our National Cultures.

To devilmaycare:  Yes, during the Pinochet days many Chileans left due to POLITICAL reasons, not economic.  As for today, I'm sorry, but there are many more Chileans moving back to Chile than leaving Chile.  All you speak is PROPAGANDA!
- Net Migration (Per Million): Peru = -10.726; Chile = 1.841
- This shows that Peruvians are LEAVING their country... not Chileans.

To Anonymous Dave: In 1866 Bolivia & Chile agreed that their borders would lie on the 24th Parallel, they also agreed in 1874 that for 25years, Chilean companies could remain between the 23rd and 24th Parallel, in which Bolivia would receive taxes based on an agreement.
Well, Bolivia decided to not honor their treaty with Chile.  Too bad Peru secretly created a defense alliance with Chile, in which it diced to honor.  So... due to Bolivia's dishonor, and Peru's secret alliance, accepting to go to war with Chile over territory treaties that Chile did honor, both allied countries lost in the end.  So please do not blame Chile over bad decisions made by both allies.  Quit blaming Chile!

To Manco Capac:  My grandfather was German, but never was a Nazi, his parents arrived in Chile after WWI, not WWII.  As for Nazi's fleeing to Chile, these were very few, most fly that came to South America went to Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay.  I'll stop right there... cause I am not a racist, and most Chileans I know are not!

For fun... some nice states for the person who asked for something Positive about Chileans that we can do better.  Well, economy, education, Standard of living... we have made ourselves into a proud nation of proud people.

And yes... if you've ever visited Chile... you will recon all the beauty she has... from our beautiful deserts in the north, to our beautiful mountains and inlets in the south.  Chile has the one of the longest coastlines with many different climates and landscapes.

GDP > PPP (per capita): Peru = $5,564.28; Chile = $11,468.99 per capita
GDP (per capita): Peru = $2,837.89; Chile = $7,297.15

The following does show that Peru's growth has been better than Chile's (in the very short term), long term is what business really look for.
- GDP > Real growth rate: Peru = 8%; Chile = 4.2 %
- GDP growth > Duration 1975-2000: Peru = -0.7% ; Chile =4.1%
- GDP growth > Duration 1980-2000: Peru = -8% ; Chile = 94%

Literacy > Total population: Peru = 87.7 %; Chile = 95.7 %

Population below poverty line: Peru= 54%; Chile = 18.2%

Government Corruption (10 being the highest and least corrupt): Peru = 3.5; Chile = 7.3

* Stats from nationmaster.com (best stats page online) *

Viva Chile!!!

# Peruvian Pisco #1 says :
30 April, 2008 [ 16:11 ]

Propaganda? You sure wasted a lot of time typing up all of that jiberish. Fingers got cramps?

# I P Freely says :
30 April, 2008 [ 16:19 ]

Let's add to the comparison the number of taxi drivers seen urinating in the street per Km traveled.
Lima = 17.8
Santiago = 0

# Peruvian Pisco #1 says :
30 April, 2008 [ 16:36 ]

Well now I P Freely, when you have to go, you have to go, and that is pretty much universal any where. But that said, I doubt that any one has ever taken the time to take a personal census as to which countries cabbies hose down the side walks more so that the other country. Unless you are the exception, and it sure sounds like it.

Final Score Cabbies Hosing Down The Side Walks:

Lima = ?

Santiago, Piss Poor Pisco, = ?

# Manco Capac says :
30 April, 2008 [ 16:42 ]

Ian:  The Chile statistics will change gradually to favor Mi Peru...., there is no denying.  Peruvians are returning to Peru.....for a reason: Peru is progressing very rapidly..... while Chileans are looking for other horizons and feeling rather sheepish with all the attention that Peru is getting these days.  Hey Ian, did you hear that Dubai Ports is going to enlarge the Port of Callao?  What does that tell you?

Well, at least you've admitted that you love Peru and its people...that's good!  I've been to Chile once....and pardon me Ian, but I was bored to tears.  I found Santiago to be "antiseptic".....everytime I walked into a restaurant, the waitresses looked like surgery room nurses with hair caps and gloves.  Hey! I'm all for cleanliness but that was a real turn-off!  The whole country has a Germanic feel to it, rather than Latin....it's ok if you're comfortable with that. We took a train to Puerto Montt and I honestly felt like I was going to Auschwitz....it was 1930's vintage decrepit train that should have been retired a long time ago. I am happy to say that the Orient Express runs our trains between Cuzco and Puno.....does that tell you anything?

Well.....what can I say!  "Y se llama PERU! con P de Patria, la E del ejemplo, la R de Rico....la U de la Union!"  VIVA EL PERU, SENORES!

Come on Ian!....come to Peru! (just for a few days,ok?) and enjoy LIFE!
Let the people pamper you, smile at you, make you laugh, feed you world-class food.  Visit penhas.....sing, dance, eat!  Explore mysterious cultures and ruins, such as Sipan.....Kuelap!  What good are your Chile statistics when you're not having fun and living passionately!

I think I'm done with this topic......we wouldn't want to bore our "Living in Peru" readers.

# Anonymous Mike says :
30 April, 2008 [ 16:51 ]

I'm afraid history didn't happen quite as you put it, "Ian".

Chile was required to pay tax, and when Bolivia decided, based on new data that this should be increased, Chile decided to murder everyone.

Chile's rich mine owners, also the nations politicians and leaders, were dancing around in glee when they realised the value of their mines in agreed Bolivian territory and how little tax they had to pay. When Bolivia changed the rules, rules within their own boundaries, as they are perfectly entitled to do in their own country, Chile's rich, who ruled, decided to take everything by force. Not just a fair share, but everything, leaving Bolivia in particular dead in the water for the next 100+ years. The only equivelent would be nuking Santiago.


Chile then proceded to move from town to town northwards, burning down villages, raping women and killing everyone in sight. At least at admit to that "truth, not propaganda".

Afterwards, Peruvians were forced to work as quasi-slaves in northern Chile, their families killed when they demanded more food(they were paid in food) or workers rights.

# Oliver says :
30 April, 2008 [ 20:20 ]

Culture: Peru 10,000 - Chile -1.

Chile has "always" been jealous of PERU we had the Incas the gold the jewels the textiles the food your poor indians had nothing could hardly cover themselves. Then we were the mighty centre of South America when the Spanish arrived they knew that Peru was the most important place and built "la ciudad de los reyes" LIMA.

Chile has the short man syndrome. They hate being so skinny and insignificant they are extremely insecure because of this that’s why they feel they have to brag about their measly standard of living and all this crap. We all know that Peru is the future of South America. Chile had its time hope you enjoyed it. A chilean friend of mine said that Peru is destined to be a great country. No matter what. That is exactly what is going to happen we are going to be the greatest country in South America again once the great port of Callao is constructed and the many companies that a lining up to invest in Peru help us achieve our goal. Remember it is our time. Peru's golden age AGAIN. Yes remember that because we will always be better than you. Your country is funny and makes everyone laugh and the people are ignorant. Ignorant about life. That's why they can’t create great things like Peruvians can. Have you heard Zambo Cavero sing. He sings with his heart, have you had ceviche or anticuchos. Have you tasted the Peruvian Pisco Sour. That model obviously has. Your materialistic bullshit does not interest us Peruvians because we are not insecure. We love our country and dont care that chileans invented completos. yes the hot dog with avocado in it. You have always been scared of Argentina and envious of Peru. I feel sorry for you.

 

# David says :
30 April, 2008 [ 23:24 ]

All this from a way of preparing a drink!

Better or best is really different things to different people. Better or best is nothing more then an opinion most the time.

Good debate though. If we could just keep the name calling out of it.

# Arauco Machuca says :
1 May, 2008 [ 03:24 ]

Cecilia Bolocco is very proud to be Italian and Pisco is Peruvian

# Manco Capac says :
1 May, 2008 [ 13:42 ]

Hey Arauco:  you're not sly enough for Manco Capac, dude.  Don't be facetious.......PISCO IS PERUVIAN, and Cecilia Bolocco IS Chilean, of Italian extraction...one of many in Chile, not to mention Chilean-Germans.

With a name like "Arauco"......no doubt you're Chilean, so why don't you say so up front??

Hey Oliver:  I appreciate the fact that you're a passionate Peruvian, like me, but don't be so hard on our southern neighbors, man....they're hurting enough, now that they realize their heyday is over and that Peru is rising on the horizon. Have some compassion....and don't make fun of their "completos"......let them have at least one brand.  As a matter of fact, I thought about making myself a "completo" for lunch...............but, I just couldn't.....

Hey guys....what happened to Ian?  Maybe he's p....d because "Peruvian Piso #1" called his meticulous statistics "jiberish".....
Ok....that's enough for a "Guerra con Chile cibernetica".   Gotta go!......you know where, I'm laughing so hard.

# Arauco Machuca says :
1 May, 2008 [ 17:34 ]

We were here before those Europeans arrived, we represent the truly Chilean not the few bunch delinquents Germans of colonia alemana or Italians waps that arrived to take advantage of our ancestors. We are very proud of our heritage.

# mumu says :
1 May, 2008 [ 19:33 ]

I have a vision, one day, Peruanos, Chileans, Bolivians, Ecuadorians, Argentinians and all the people of this planet will all get along like the friends and brothers they are. The past has happened, nothing can be done to change it. The future has not yet manifested, it's not here yet! All we have is this moment and what we do with it is in our hands. We are creating our future - in every moment. What are we creating? What are you creating?  Only with intention and attention can we conscoiusly? create what we want. There is only one thing we can 'change', our perceptions, the way we see things. We are all in this together so what's stopping you?

# mumu says :
1 May, 2008 [ 19:48 ]

Just wanted to add that i am an Australian who has recently returned from a 15 month stint working in Latin America as an Overland Truck Driver. I love all South America, I met so many beautiful people and I saw so many wonderful places. My heart is still in Puno with mi novia.

Since returning to Australia I have longed to return to my girl and the places I love, unfortuneatly the universe has had other plans. So I sit here in my comfortable surburban home in a working class Cairns suburb working on some business ideas I have and trying to figure out how i can get back to my girl in the shortest possble time.

In regards to the War of the Pacific as I belive it to be known. The results of which has virtually shut off Bolivia economically, I can't understand why Peru, Chile and Bolivia don't just get together and work out an arrangement. National pride is one thing, intentionally land locking a close neighbour (virtual next of kin) is something completely different. The governments of Peru and Chile can make a real difference in the lives of their neighbours. Just think what a unified Peru, Chile and bolivia could achieve together...for their people.

Anyway, enough ramblings

WORK IT OUT

# Mark says :
1 May, 2008 [ 19:52 ]

By the way, Peruvian Pisco is the one! Did anyone think for a moment that this woman is in Peru promoting her new line of ????? Very good marketing/promotional strategy I thought.

I wonder if she was back in Chile if Chilean pisco would be number one?

# mags says :
1 May, 2008 [ 22:06 ]

Humans- the sadest thing is, you are all fighting about countries you yourselves no longer live in! A bit hypocritical don't you think?

I can just imagine the day that Latin Americans would unite how great that would be but instead we argue and make silly comparisons about one country being more educated than other. Does that make us better humans?

When you look at the world today and you see how fast we are killing our own planet...we want more of the things we already have in a fruitless pursuit of happiness. Who cares what country has growth in what areas- we keep missing the point and put our faith on pisco,  the government, and on people ....today is National Prayer Day maybe prayer can remind us to put our faith in Christ again.

# Christ Himself says :
1 May, 2008 [ 22:14 ]

Sheez... Whatever you do, don't put your faith in me, I'm just a dead hippy...

# Manco Capac says :
2 May, 2008 [ 00:12 ]

Hey Mumu:  everything you wrote makes a lot of sense, man.  We're not as divided as you may think....we can work things out, eventually. I agree that we should cooperate with Bolivia, after all they do have a navy (by Ripley)....now all they need is an ocean!


Good luck returning to your novia in Puno. Are you planning to live there?.....or are you taking her back to Cairns?  In any case, there is a huge difference in climate and altitude between these two places.  I was in Cairns a couple of years ago and I liked it.  I've never been to Puno.....can't take the altitude. It's sad I'll never see Lake Titicaca.

By the way, I don't hate Chileans......I just like to tease them a little.

"Mags".....you had some good observations too.